Synecdoche, New York

The typically trippy Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich,” “Adaptation”) does it again with this twisted tale of a Schenectady, N.Y., theater director who struggles with linguistic diversions while trying to stage a play that literally becomes his life.

Running time/rating: 2:02; rated R (language, some sexual content/nudity)

What they’re saying: “As navel gazing goes, this musing over how disappointing life is and the oblivion that we are all ‘hurtling toward’ is a downer in the extreme.” – Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel